© L'Hôtel le Flaubert (@hotelflaubert) par Gaelle Boulicaut
Escape by train and find a hotel perched above the sea. Book a room with a view that feels like you’re floating on water. Start your day with a dose of ocean air and take a swim after breakfast. Here are three beachfront hotels for a getaway in harmony with nature.
In the Mediterranean category: La Ponche in Saint-Tropez
Arguably the most charming and authentic hotel in Saint-Tropez, La Ponche is nestled right by the beach, favored by Simone de Beauvoir, Romy Schneider, Brigitte Bardot, Françoise Sagan, and their entourage. Fabrizio Casiraghi has redesigned La Ponche with elegant Provençal decor featuring terracotta tiles, attic rooms, and discreet luxury fabrics. Book a sunrise yoga class on the pier, with your feet nearly in the water.
Extra Touch: The hotel also boasts a restaurant led by young prodigy chef Thomas Danigo. Enjoy fresh meals on the incredible terrace with dishes like zucchini gazpacho (€22), rock fish soup (€30), grilled catch of the day (€50), and light lemon cream (€18). You can also order a picnic for a day on the boat (starting at €50).
La Ponche, 5 rue des Remparts, 83990 Saint Tropez, +33 4 94 97 02 53. From €641 per night.
© Julie Limont
In the Manche category: the Hôtel Flaubert in Trouville
Located on Trouville beach, this nearly century-old institution has hosted Alain Delon, Isabelle Huppert, Michel Galabru, and Patrick Modiano. The recent reopening of Hôtel Flaubert, after renovations, is highly anticipated by coastal lovers. Interior designer Natalia Mégret has created an authentic design inspired by the famous 19th-century novelist, with blue tones and vintage decor from The Socialite Family and Hartley & Tissier.
Extra Touch: Enjoy an aperitif on the terrace of your room directly on the beach. It doesn’t get cooler than this.
Hôtel Flaubert, rue Gustave Flaubert, 14360 Trouville-sur-Mer, +33 2 31 88 37 23. From €114 per night.
© Gaelle Boulicaut
In the Atlantic category: the Hôtel de la Plage in Biarritz
The must-visit spot in Biarritz: Hôtel de la Plage, located in the heart of old Biarritz with 20 rooms, 16 of which have ocean views. This hotel overlooks the small beach of the old port, a prime location for those who want to see and be seen. Simply descend the stairs to find yourself on fine sand. Artistic direction by Olivier Granet, known for Gaztelur , features unique and local bespoke creations, including stylish textiles from LRNCE and Ekka, wooden light fixtures by Lucas Castex, and arty decor by Mathieu Chavaren.
Extra Touch: No need to drive to your favorite bar; the hotel tops La petite plage with its fabulous cocktail bar overlooking the beach. For an intimate vibe, head to the private rooftop with a view of the Rocher de la Vierge, perfect for a stunning sunset.
Hôtel de la plage, 3 esplanade du Port Vieux, 64200 Biarritz. From €185 per night.
© Evelyne Cazemajor
Also discover 5 great reasons to head to Versailles and our favorite hotels on the French Riviera.
